According to Chris Sheridan of ESPN, prior to being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs had a deal to send John Salmons to the Spurs in exchange for Roger Mason and Matt Bonner.

The Bulls had been in discussions with the Spurs on a deal that would have sent Salmons to San Antonio for Roger Mason and Matt Bonner, but those talks died.

Salmons was told yesterday to stay at the team hotel, which signaled a trade in the works.

Salmons was never seen as a legitimate starter until he made a name for himself in last season’s playoffs. He defended Paul Pierce well and he showed that he could be a threat on the offensive end, averaging 18.1 points per game in the thrilling opening round series against the Celtics.

Salmons, once drafted by the Spurs, would have provided some perimeter defense and offense to the Spurs, but in the end, the Spurs were still not addressing a glaring need — a legit big man.

Stay with Project Spurs as the trade deadline nears at 3 P.M. EST today ands be sure to come back at noon CST for a trade deadline live chat. To stay up to date with all of the latest trade rumors, be sure to check out Project Spurs Trade Central.